Limerick TD and Minister of State, Patrick O’Donovan has announced funding for projects in Limerick under the rural development fund. €330,000 is being allocated to Newcastle West for the redevelopment of Fullers Folly in the town along with a tourism masterplan for the town, and the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails is one of five projects that will share €10.2million.
“The funding for Fullers Folly in Newcastle West will allow for further development and restoration of the building. I have worked closely with Limerick City and County Council, over the last few years to have the building taken into public ownership and to put a plan in place to have the building used as a centre of tourism in the town. Recently I held a meeting between the Council and Fáilte Ireland, where this project was discussed so I am delighted that Michael Ring has made this allocation to Newcastle West.”
The Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails is also to receive another investment from the Government. The trail is one of five projects that will share €10.2million between them.
“This is yet another major investment by the Government into Ballyhoura. Recently the Government allocated €407,000 to the trail, so this allocation is a statement by the Government that Ballyhoura has the potential to be a major centre of tourism in South Limerick.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund is a key component of Project Ireland 2040, which is the Government’s plan for balanced regional development across the country.
“Contrary to what opposition politicians may have been trying to claim in recent days, Fine Gael is committed to balanced regional development through major capital projects.
This funding is a key component of Project Ireland 2040 and is part of the Government’s commitment to this region.
“The funding for Newcastle West and Ballyhoura is part of a national package of €62m announced by my colleague Minister Michael Ring.
“Over the last three years since being appointed a Minister from Limerick, I have worked very closely with Minister Michael Ring to secure funds for Limerick under the various funds in his Department. I meet regularly with him to make him aware of projects in our area, and I am sure that Limerick will continue to fare well from future rounds of funding under this scheme and other schemes from his Department.
